TPPA Still Needs an Independent Health Impact Assessment

The New Zealand Medical
Students’ Association (NZMSA) urges the Government to
facilitate an independent Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on
the recently agreed Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
(TPPA).

“The TPPA could have significant impacts
on our health system. Medical students are concerned these
may detrimentally affect our future medical practice and the
health of New Zealanders,” says NZMSA President Mike
Fleete.

The NZMSA and other medical associations
have repeatedly called on the Government to facilitate an
independent HIA of the TPPA.

“It is unfortunate
that the concerns of thousands of doctors, medical students
and healthcare workers have not yet been responded to by the
Government.”

“NZMSA is not opposed to the
principles of free trade agreements and is aware of the
potential economic benefits the TPPA may provide. However,
we need to comprehensively understand the possible impacts
the TPPA may have on healthcare. Without this understanding
it is difficult for the country to come to an informed
conclusion about the TPPA before it is ratified.”

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